Dare to Go Double

Summer is my favourite season of all in London. As the sun comes out, London transforms into a beautiful city where people seem to be happier and where so many exciting new events seem to be taking place. I also think London becomes even more magical when people are eating ice cream and personally, hearing the tune from the ice cream van always makes my heart skip a beat.

I truly believe there is something mystic about ice creams. No matter how bad or awful a day you are having, ice creams have the ability to lift your spirits up and make your day 100% better. So I was beyond excited to hear about Magnum’s launch of two new flavours for the summer, the Magnum Double range. The exciting new flavours come in Double Raspberry and Double Coconut. I have been trying both ice creams from the Magnum Double range since their launch and have come up with style looks to compliment the two flavours.

The Double Raspberry is quite punchy with a very luscious raspberry sauce so I think this flavour is perfect for when you are in need of a pick me up to continue through the day. My Double Raspberry look is styled with my favourite boyfriend jeans and a pastel pink blouse, which compliments the colour of the ice cream. I think this look is casual yet chic – perfect for lounging around in your flat or running errands around town.

The Double Coconut, which is a velvety smooth coconut ice cream dipped in chocolatey coating and a layer of luscious chocolate sauce, covered in cracking Magnum chocolate. Talk about mouth-watering deliciousness!

I think the Double Coconut has a softer flavour with a very rich, yet smooth coconut ice cream and so my look for this flavour is a girly white lace dress ensemble.

I would love to hear your thoughts on my looks and which flavour you prefer! I love both flavours, but I think the Double Coconut is my preference as the coconut reminds me of tropical getaways and blissful summer days.

I’m sure you’ve heard already, but Magnum has also been working with Jeremy Scott and Moschino to release a special edition bag capsule Magnum x Moschino. I’ve been wearing the pink bag all around town as it is such a fun and whimsical addition to my wardrobe!

Nars Covent Garden Boutique

Ever since I was a teenage girl and my mum started using NARS’ Multiple (the original multi-purpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips and body), I’ve always associated NARS as a revolutionary makeup brand that brought imaginative artistry and professional makeup techniques to women everywhere.

As NARS’s first European standalone boutique, I was over the moon when I got the chance to visit their Covent Garden boutique for a one on one session with its boutique stylist, Clayton Reid. The personal styling session was such an intimate way for me to learn about NARS’s new season collection and tips on how to apply makeup. Starting with a NARSskin consultation, Clayton gave me a step by step guide on how to maintain my skin and how to prep it before apply a full-face of makeup. Inspired by Francois Nars’s life in Polynesia, Light Reflecting Complex range includes algae extract from French Brittany and French Polynesian seawater – all kinds of moisturising minerals and goodness that enhances radiance J I particularly loved how the Aqua Gel Luminous Moisturizer instantly boost my skin and made it look luminous.

I have been looking for a foundation which instead of masking your face with layers and layers of products, enhances your natural beauty and keeps the skin looking translucent. So one of the most exciting revelations from my session was when Clayton said that NARS has a full range of tinted moisturizers which works just like foundation. The Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is an oil free formula that provides a translucent veil of colour and sun protection whilst reducing the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. As a firm believer of less is more, this tinted moisturizer was exactly what I have been looking for. Not only did it keep my skin hydrated, it felt light on the skin and think it really brightened my complexion with a natural glow. This is highly recommended for anyone looking for an alternative to harder sitting foundations!

In keeping with my desire to find a natural look, Clayton did a fantastic job of choosing pallets with bronzed and warm blush tones for my final look. I felt my face was illuminated and shimmered without looking as if I had multiple layers of makeup and I absolutely loved how Clayton expertly used NARS products to enhance my natural look instead of modifying my base features. In a sea of contouring tutorials and illusion makeup, I truly felt like my session at NARS was a breath of fresh air and a reassuring sign that makeup should be a way to inspire self-expression and a way to show your confidence.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

After a year-long project to relaunch my website, being able to celebrate this personal achievement (and my birthday!) with my closest blogger/digital influencer friends at the Sanderson Hotel was the icing on the cake for 2016.

Charles Dodgson’s Alice in Wonderland was a staple bedside read for little Mariko and has always had a special place in my heart. I have so many fond memories of dreaming about Alice’s magical adventures and wishing someday that I could meet the Mad Hatter himself. So being able to celebrate my website relaunch at the Sanderson Hotel over afternoon tea designed as a tribute to Dodgson’s enchanting tale was such an exciting opportunity and a fantastic honour.

As we all assembled in Sanderson’s iconic courtyard garden, adorned with lush floating plants and living walls, it truly felt like we were tumbling down the rabbit hole. The splendor continued as we were seated to a table decorated with vintage books hiding menus, teapots designed with kings and queens and porcelain plates decorated with birdcages, ticking clocks and carousels – we had been transported to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

The party came to life as we feasted on savoury sandwiches (including my favourite, Goat Cheese Croque-Monsieur) followed by a spectacular display of cakes and sweets. The never-ending choice of mouthwatering delights were all designed to inspire our imagination. The star attractions were the intricate sweets such as the red velvet Ladybird Cakes, the coffee-flavoured Pocket-Watch Macaroons, magical Marshmallow Mushrooms and the Queen of Hearts Oreo Cookie Soldiers. For a moment, these treats really made us feel like we were dining with the Mad Hatter.

A tea party is not complete without tea and I have to say Sanderson’s selection of teas were all a delight for our senses. We sipped on 5 tailor made teas, all inspired by characters from Dodgson’s story. “Alice”, for example, is a China Black Tea infused with hints of blackcurrant, vanilla, caramel, citrus, bergamot, blue cornflowers and blue mallow flowers.

I always think attention to detail is the key to achieving something great and special. I have been to a few afternoon teas around London, but the Sanderson’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was in a league of its own. From the table decorations to the three-tiered selection of sweets, the tea party was a magnificent triumph, with every single detail thought through by the talented team at Sanderson Hotel.

The Lake District

A few weekends ago, my boyfriend, Mr Pugington and I went on a whimsical adventure to explore the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District. With our Haglöfstrekking gear and the all important dog biscuits packed up, we drove North to the magical world where Beatrix Potter once called home. As we switched off from the world, Mr Pugington transformed into ‘Extreme Pug’ and Ron and I immersed ourselves in the great outdoors.

Our three day adventure led to days spent trekking to summits for views of the rugged mountain range and glacial lakes, afternoons exploring abandoned quarries and evenings camping out as we star gazed across the horizon.

As the mummy to Mr Pugington and as a massive dog lover, I am incredibly honoured and touched to be part of the Wild at Heart Foundation and editsecondhand’s special blogger sale. I have teamed up with Julia Lundin, Kelly Eastwood and Peony Lim for a massive sale of some of our wardrobe pieces on editsecondhand in aid of the Wild at Heart Foundation.

Founded by Nikki Tibbles, London’s most sought after florist, the Wild at Heart Foundation funds and supports animal welfare projects around the world and in particular, aims to reduce the world’s 600 million stray dog population. The Foundation has so far organised rescue project in Romania, Cyprus, Bosnia and Greece and has set up a neutering program in Corfu.

The entire proceeds of our sale on editsecondhand will be donated to the Wild at Heart Foundation and will be used to helping neuter and rehome Wild at Heart’s wonderful rescued dogs. As it is almost Christmas, I am hoping that everyone can get involved with our blogger sale and find something special as a gift to yourself or a gift to your someone special.

For more information on the Wild at Heart Foundation, please click here and to see what we are selling on editsecondhand, please click here!

Bespoke Events and Productions

An unexpected opportunity to travel with Dickins & Hawkes on one of their bespoke travel services, turned into two of the most memorable days that I have ever had in England. With a packed itinerary including a luxurious personal shopping experience at Holland & Holland and Boodles on Bond Street, a steam train ride through the picturesque North Yorkshire countryside, a theatrical dinner in the style of Downton Abbey, Scottish dancing with a live Ceilidh band, a horse and hound meeting and falconry experience, my time with Dickins & Hawkes was full of aristocratic drama and a truly breathtaking few days.

Giorgio Armani | Frames of Life

Inspiration for life can be found all around us. I had the opportunity to attend the premiere of Giorgio Armani’s Films of City Frames at the BFI London Film Festival the other day. Being able to take part in such a creative project which supports young talent in the film industry was an inspiring experience that championed emerging and world-class film makers.

Giorgio Armani teamed up with the BFI London Film Festival to premiere the second edition of the Films of City Frames and to showcase and support the work of new talent from around the world. The brief of the second edition of the Films of City Frames was to explore real-life stories and characters’ emotions using eyewear from the Giorgio Armani Frames of Life collection as the device to connect the narrative. In this edition, the emphasis was less on the location and more on human interaction. Created in collaboration with Luxottica and Rai Cinema, the project involved the most promising students from a selection of international film schools from Turin, Sydney, São Paulo and Seoul. As a project demonstrating Giorgio Armani’s commitment to supporting bright new creative talent, the four films created by the international film schools were truly inspiring and full of promise.

Director Juliana Valente from the Academia Internacional de Cinema, São Paulo imagined an autobiographical piece based on a father-daughter relationship. As a truly emotive film about mourning the loss of a father through the recreation of memories from the past, this film almost moved me to tears. I felt a sense of the director’s personal journey to come to terms with her father’s death through the creation of this film.

Director Tommaso Bianchi from the Scuola Holden in Turin has created a romantic encounter inspired by the classic fairy tale Cinderella. Set as a silent film, this is a romantic story about falling in love with a very sweet and light touch.

Director Chris Joys from the Sydney Film School had the unusual idea of a story featuring a blind photographer who teaches her sighted friend how to ‘see’. Beautifully shot throughout the Sydney, this film deals with universal emotions associated with overcoming roadblocks.

Director Sang-Ho Lee from the Seoul Institute of the Arts decided to explore the emotions and mystery that surround the moment when we first fall in love. Through the use of strong images to convey the simple clarity of emotions, this film tells a story about the meeting of two lovers.

GALLO FAMILY VINEYARDS SPRITZ

Summer time in London is simply glorious. As the sun illuminates every corner of the city and as Londoners congregate around outside spaces, London transforms into a shimmery oasis. Being able to share my love of London’s summer with my family and loved ones is such a special experience so I was over the moon when I found out that my sister, Momo, was going to be visiting me for a couple of weeks. We have been doing all of my favourite summer pastimes like eating alfresco, sipping ice coffee at cafes while people watching and going on shopping sprees (of course!). The highlight of Momo’s visit for me has to be our little picnic by Regent’s canal with Mr Pugington. It was a beautiful summer’s day in London so I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon than by bunking down by the canal and watching the cute canal boats and swans cruising back and forth in the water.

A true summer picnic cannot be complete without some drinks and nibbles. So I wanted to share with you my new favourite summer drink. Gallo Family Vineyards have launched a range of Spritz which are the perfect summer picnic drink. Spritz which comes in two variants, Raspberry & Lime and Pineapple & Passionfruit, are a new taste sensation bursting with vibrant fruity notes. We decided to have the Raspberry & Lime Spritz with ice and some fresh fruits for a truly sun-drenched taste. Sipping a glass of these delicious spritz on the canal was such a great way for my sister, Mr Pugington and I to enjoy our summer afternoon.